Innovation, invention could develop Sri Lanka

Hiran H.Senewiratne

Sri Lanka could emerge as a developed country in the region, if we invest in new innovation and inventions by using new technology, Science and Technology Minister Prof. Tissa Vitarana said at a media conference.

“Our education system is such that it always test the student’s memory. The most important thing is to use that knowledge to be creative, innovative and inventive, “ Minister Vitarana told a press conference on Intel International Science and Science Fair which was held in Navada, USA recently.

For the first time in Sr Lanka, an Ananda College student Chandula Padmasiri won the third place at the competition for his new invention, which is a microscope that can be fixed to mobile phones.

He said that countries that have been developed or achieved high growth are the countries that have invested in new technology, new innovations and inventions. Therefore, Sri Lanka should focus on this areas where we have a lot of talented youth in rural areas., he said.

Prof. Vitarana also said that National Science Foundation (NSF), Institute of Engineers of Sri Lanka and the Education Ministry are working hard to promote new inventions, and innovations in school level in the country. By using new technology, innovative methods and inventions to increase productivity we could be more competitive in all sectors especially agriculture in the international market, he said.

He said National Engineering Research and Development Institute (NERD) has developed team, which includes scientists and non scientists to support and find potential inventions and to identify and support such talented people in the country. Chairperson NSF Sirimalee Fernando said they have set up a special unit to provide financial assistance for inventions and to do research and development to covert them into commercially viable products.